International Halal Accreditation Forum IHAF 2013, hosted by Turkish Accreditation Agency in cooperation with The Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), was held on 25th-26th October 2013 in Istanbul Haliç Congress Center with the participation of over hundreds of participants from about sixty countries and honored by Prime Minister of Republic of Turkey H.E. Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN video message and European Affairs Minister and Chief Negotiator H.E. Egemen BAĞIŞ.
International Halal Accreditation Forum IHAF 2013, hosted by Turkish Accreditation Agency in cooperation with The Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), was held on 25th-26th October 2013 in Istanbul Haliç Congress Center with the participation of over hundreds of participants from about sixty countries and honored by Prime Minister of Republic of Turkey H.E. Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN video message and European Affairs Minister and Chief Negotiator H.E. Egemen BAĞIŞ.
In IHAF 2013; different perspectives were presented and discussed. The delegates from both OIC-Members States and non-OIC stressed the need for harmonization in the Halal field. This is specifically required for standardization of certification and accreditation processes. The consensus of the participants is to further develop the work that has been initiated in this forum.
The increase in awareness of Muslims for Halal products and services has resulted in the rapid development of the Halal market. The delegations discussed the challenges, possible solutions and improvement.
The difference in certification standards is limiting the Halal trade. Hence, the need for:
One Standard, one Conformity Assessment System (Certification and Accreditation) for Halal through an internationally recognized Halal Accreditation System for the confidence of the Muslim and is vital to facilitate the trade globally, notably between OIC Members.
IHAF 2013, which is an organization gathering people all around the Muslim world, is the platform where required steps are determined and discussed. IHAF 2013 is the first organization from the aspect of the discussion of mutual recognition among the potential stakeholders and the way of proper application according to today’s conditions with market representatives, Islamic Scholars and technical experts contributions as well.
It is the commonly stressed desire of IHAF 2013 participants to obey the rules clearly declared by verses of Holy Koran.On the basis İslamic Rules’, it is declared that in order to adapt Holy Quran verses about Halal product need to be revised by experts from all of the world. Addressing the needs of all Muslims regarding halal is a fundamental task for each of us, as Muslims. The main point of forum is to ensure that all Muslims could reach clean and halal product easily.Non harmonized halal standards and lack of accreditation system recognized by all countries are also huge and serious technical barrier for trade.
It is discussed to promote SMIIC structure under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and support by all member states of OIC. It is recommended to harmonize and apply OIC SMIIC standards which are prepared by the experts from OIC member states.
For this purpose, necessary steps as follow.
- Harmonization of OIC SMIIC standards and certificationsystem by OIC member states
- Enhancement &Strengtheningan halal accreditation infrastructure constructed within SMIIC for all OIC Member Countries
- Establishment of international halal market surveillance policy
- Commitment of all Muslim Ummah within OIC member states and non-OIC member countries to cooperate in development of halal standards.
- To support accreditation system constructed within SMIIC
- To increase awareness and promote SMIIC halal accreditation approach.
